The Fly – classic horror film review
“Something went wrong Seth. When you went through, something went wrong.”
The Fly is a 1986 sci-fi / horror starring Jeff Goldblum and Geena Davis. It was directed by David Cronenberg (doesn’t that man just have great hair) and to this day remains one of his most popular movies.
The Fly is of course a remake of the 1958 Vincent Price film. But this seems to be one of those remakes we’re actually allowed to enjoy, without ostentatious comments about how the original is so much better and you just don’t understand you philistine. You remake watching bastard. I hate your guts. HOW DARE YOU.
The story centres around Seth Brundle (Goldblum) who is a tall, handsome and eccentric scientist – pretty much my ideal man. To be fair I still fancy 2015 Jeff Goldblum so 1986 Jeff Goldblum is just a dream. Though I do have a real soft spot for 1996 Jeff Goldblum…..and this is suppose
d to be a film review, I apologise. Anyway, just as he meets journalist Veronica (Davis) who is writing a piece about his work and a promising romance starts to blossom – one drunken night in his teleportation pod unfortunately changes everything.
I’m sure most of us are familiar with the story but for those of you who are not – sadly for Seth, he manages to fuse his DNA with that of a housefly – during his ‘I’m drunk and messing around with science’ episode. So the poor guy basically begins turning into a gross hybrid of man….and fly.
The Fly is easily in my top 10 films but why do I love it so much? Well firstly, it’s a great horror film. I find it truly horrific and scary. Seth’s transformation from man into Brundlefly is gross and unnerving. It’s interesting – I think – becau
se there’s no Bad Guy.
Inevitably Seth grows more and more dangerous to be around but he’s not evil or twisted, something screwed up and unfair just happened to him. Some people say the film is a metaphor for having AIDS but Cronenberg has said he didn’t have that intention exactly. The Fly undoubtedly does make you think of illness – Seth’s teeth falling out, the disintegrating skin and hair….it’s very uncomfortable and undignified.
It’s kind of a mix between most repulsive film ever and a horror with a heart. The love story between Seth and Veronica is another reason I love the film. It’s so brilliant and genuine and despite knowing it all ends rather horribly I can’t help but wish things would work out for them every single time I watch it. Not only is this a horror film, but it’s an extremely tragic love story too. As soon as Seth and Veronica meet each other the attraction is banging, they’re both extremely likable and I can only imagine the ending had this been a Richard Curtis film instead.
The effects are fantastic. Now, I don’t mind CGI when it’s essential and done well – like the machine gun leg in Planet Terror – that is awesome CGI that I can only be grateful for. But generally I p
refer ‘real life’ effects. My technical talk is shit at best, so apologies if I can’t explain this well. But I like effects ON camera, which is what The Fly is all about.
Kudos to Goldblum and the make-up team – who must have spent fucking hours creating each terrifying stage of ‘being a fly’. But it worked beautifully – I have never watched The Fly and not felt scared. He is scary. The more the Brundlefly comes out, the more we lose Seth. Though the physical changes are hideous, disgusting and visually scary, his personality changes are more unsettling. It’s only really Veronica who knows what has happened and a lot of the film is set inside Seth’s place, with an isolated feel. And the more Seth changes, the more you start to fear for Veronica’s safety.
“I’ll hurt you if you stay”
Apart from the terror, there are some sickening scenes, a few that are pretty famous – the arm wrestle scene where Seth’s super strength breaks a guy’s wrist bone clean out of his arm. The baboon scene – not very pleasant. And of course the gag-reflex-inducing maggot baby. Always worse for us girls eh?
Generally I can’t speak more highly of this film, which I think is a marvellous and perfect mix of true romance, gross-out visuals and horror in a tragic, gruesome story that repulses and saddens til the end. Brilliantly acted, expertly directed and better than the original (sorry Vince). Plus – it was made in the 80s which mean we have AWESOME 80s effects not the sort of shit I saw in I Am Legend recently. And I can’t write a review on The Fly without mentioning the soundtrack, which I adore. It’s a scored soundtrack with all music written by the wonderful Howard Shore. Very dramatic, it’s just the kind of soundtrack I love. My favourite track is Plasma Pool but it’s one of those that has one main score and variations of it throughout, depending on the scene and atmosphere.
emmakwall (explains it all) 
So many disturbing scenes. Brilliant premise superbly executed. And Goldblum has so much flair and charisma in this film.
LikeLike
Pingback: The Fly OST | emmakwall (explains it all)
This was definitely a remake that was better than the original. I love Vincent Price, but the whole framing device of the original with him seemed entirely unnecessary to me. Plus, the original film’s scientist immediately made me lose any sympathy when he vaporized the family cat, then basically laughed it off.
Karma, motherfucker.
LikeLiked by 1 person
HA! Your “Karma, motherfucker” is my favourite comment ….probably ever! 🙂
And very true too, to just laugh as such an unpleasant incident speaks volumes about him….
There’s just something about The Fly, I love it so much! It’s so hideous and gross but you genuinely invest in it as well. I might go back and watch them both, back-to-back soon.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, Goldblum made a sympathetic character. They did a great job at building him up as a developed, socially awkward yet charming guy, so it was a lot more tragic as you see him gradually lose his humanity.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Never has a truer word been said. I can’t help but want a happy ending for him and Veronica every single time I watch it. I think that’s part of why the film is so good, it’s a great love story too.
Plus, I ADORE Jeff Goldblum!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know it was just a joke for a show, but I’m still waiting for Simply Jeff Goldblum to come out.
LikeLiked by 1 person
What is Simply Jeff Goldblum?!
I once calculated he played a scientist 12 and a 1/2 times in films lol.
LikeLike
An old sketch he did on The Jamie Kennedy Xperiment, and one of the best things ever.
“Jeff tap dances when he’s happy!”
LikeLiked by 1 person
*Emma rushes to youtube*
🙂
I do have somewhat of a Jeff Goldblum crush!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember watching this movie when it first came out. I enjoyed it, although it was a bit gross in places. The first time I saw it, I had a hard time believing that Geena Davis was not just Jeff Goldblum in a dress.
LikeLiked by 1 person
VERY gross in places 🙂
Haha! I have to look up some side-by-side pictures now hee hee. Though I think I know what you mean already!!!
How are you? 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m not much of a horror person, but I really liked this film. It’s creepy and tense and you never really know what’s going to happen next.
Loved your review. And I agree when it comes to Jeff Goldblum.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! And glad we agree on the Goldblum haha 🙂
It’s such a great horror film isn’t it, truly terrifying! It’s great to hear you enjoy it even not being a huge horror movie fan. Shows the power!
Thanks again for your comment 🙂
LikeLike
After reading this, I’m making it a priority to watch more Cronenberg movies.
LikeLiked by 1 person
There is something pretty special about them! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Any peachy bums in his films? Hehe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Lol, I’ll have a think!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks, after all who doesn’t love a peachy bum?
LikeLiked by 1 person
No-one!!!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glad to see you’re a PAL.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Peachy Arse Lover?
LikeLiked by 1 person
You got it.
LikeLiked by 1 person
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That smily icon is peachy, hehe.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Excellent review, Emma! I love this one. I’m a big fan of Cronenberg (AND his hair). 🙂 Wow – you have very good taste for a young person! Lol. I watched this movie so many times as a teen – I think it’s what got me interested in the “body horror” genre.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks sister!!! This is probably my favourite horror EVER! I just love it, as you can tell from my review! I love Cronenberg too, particularly his 80s stuff. His hair!!! Haha. If I was a guy, I’d want his hair.
I’m flattered to be called a young person haha, I’m soon approaching my 30th birthday and I’m feeling very OLD! Particularly this morning when getting excited over my purchase of a hand held vacuum! (true story)
I do have excellent taste yes 🙂 (haha!) so do you!!! Film4 were repeating Spirited Away (AGAIN!) over the weekend, I thought of you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww – that’s cool that Spirited Away made you think of me! 🙂 I can’t believe I found a fellow Ghibli AND Cronenberg lover. Lol. We have really awesome taste! 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are pretty awesome really aren’t we!! 🙂
I often think of you when I see a Studio Ghibli film! Not in a creepy way!! (that sounds weird) I have The Wind Rises on DVD to watch next! And I think there is a new one out soon/now isn’t there?
I mainly like Cronenberg’s 80s stuff, how about you? I really love Scanners and The Dead Zone. And The Brood! Have you seen Antiviral? Been meaning to watch it for so long, his son made it and sounds typically weird!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hehe. No, that’s cool you think of me! I have The Wind Rises on DVD – still need to watch it. That Princess Kaguya may be out by now – I’ve been waiting for that one! Yep – it’s the old Cronenberg I like most. Love those three plus Videodrome. Crash was disturbing! Wait… They’re all disturbing! Lol. No – not seen Antiviral yet but have been meaning to. Shit… Now you mention it, I’m thinking it has disappeared from Netflix. I need to watch stuff sooner!
LikeLiked by 1 person
NOOOOO!!!! I was going to watch it on Netflix, I’m sick of MYSELF being such a useless, slow tortoise 😦
I have The Wind Rises on DVD to watch next too! This weekend? We could coincide our views!
WELL pissed off about Antiviral lol.
I’ve not seen Crash!!!!!!!!!!! But that’s the body parts missing / sex / car crashes one isn’t it? Lol. (technical description)
LikeLike
I’m not really one for horror, but Emma, as I was reading this, no joke there is a fly sitting on the screen… A sign perhaps?
It’s on my to do list, the thought of a man/fly hybrid seems way to intriguing for my liking hah!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha! No way!!!! I’d be a bit creeped out haha. You don’t have a teleportation machine laying around do you?!! 🙂
It is an excellent film with truly lovable characters and a tragic, awesome love story. But I’ll warn you it’s a bit horrific especially if you’re not into horror as much, his transformation is…….hideous to say the least! I love it though, if you do watch it let me know your thoughts? 🙂 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
hah! no teleportation device, yet somehow, my mind feels though it does, somehow….
I can’t wait to watch it, and anything to do with love, well, yummo
Hideous to say the least hahahaha your amazing, yes I shall indeedy let you know, ill even write a posty, possible 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s cool! Where do you disappear to in your head teleportation machine? 🙂
It does have a really cool love story! I’m not usually one to get THAT affected by ‘romance’ but there’s something nice about it and kinda cool 🙂
Well…until the hideous transformation of course !!!!!!
You should definitely write a posty if you watchy! 🙂 xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes yes yes xxx
LikeLike
Woo hooooooo! xxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Would you believe that I haven’t actually seen this? Doing it now! Fantastic review… I’m very intrigued about this maggot baby… Guessing it’s something not too pleasant coming out of a lady garden. Niceeeee.
Also, because you love the Goldblum so much: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJelEXaPhJ8
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha!! Nutty laugh from Jeff, I love it!! Thanks Zoe 🙂
Ooh I hope you enjoy it!! And I sincerely hope I haven’t spoilt it for you or anything giving too much away, I honestly think this is my favourite horror film in the world (give or take) so I really hope you enjoy it!!!!!!
Maggot scene – YEP! (ewwwwwwwwwwwwww!)
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Gotta love Jeff! ❤ swoooon!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I remember watching it and I cried with laughter! Glad you enjoyed!
Nothing has been spoilt, I read whole plots on wikipedia before I watch half the films I do, just can;t help myself. I also read the last page of every book I get ha. If it’s your favourite horror film, I know i will love it! i’ll let you know 🙂
Maggot babiesss! I actually have a cute maggot baby teddy LOL!
Jeff is a babe ❤ xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
I did enjoy it!!!
OMG I do that too!!!!! Especially with horror movies haha 😻
Let me know what you think!! Would love to read your write up!!!! Xxxxxxxxx
LikeLike
Love it! You’re so funny, I love your little tangents 😁
Also, The Fly is EXCELLENT! Keep up the good work.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha, thanks so much Laura!! That really made me laugh and smile : ) I’m glad you like them!!!
LOVE The Fly!!!!!!!!!!! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person